Main menu

A Love Affair in Santiago: Romeo and Juliet Ballet

Published on 10-09-2011

The timeless love story of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been brought to life by the Santiago Ballet. Directed by Marcia Haydee, it provides a thoroughly invigorating and entertaining rendition of the ballet classic in one of the most enduringly popular tales in the world. It is an incredible performance, for theater enthusiasts and newbies alike, which captivates from beginning to end to leave its audience clapping with exhilaration by curtain fall.

Natalia Berrios & Luis Ortigoza (photo courtesy of Teatro Municipal)

Set in Verona, Romeo and Juliet is the tragic tale of forbidden young love. Against the backdrop of two powerful feuding families, the youngsters fall passionately and hopelessly in love until their untimely deaths bring the families together. Even though it is a widely-known story, a further layer is added to the narrative through the use of dance while the musical score composed by Sergio Prokofiev is straight out of a dream woven with chiffon and brought to life with a pointe shoe.

The Santiago Ballet production is graced with the wildly talented dancers Luis Ortigoza (Romeo) and Natalia Berrios (Juliet) whose onstage chemistry is magical, and who perform a pas de deux to be relived a hundred times. Berrios is a gorgeous Juliet with expansive fluidity and lines that go for miles, while Otigoza gives an equally impressive performance as the young Romeo. With comedic touches in every act there is never a dull moment; Mercutio is a riot of personality with his playful grin bringing a light air to the stage amid the tragedy.

Pas de Deux (photo courtesy of Teatro Municipal)

The San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, two of the world's most prestigious Ballet companies, have staged the same production yet these pale in comparison with the Santiago Ballet. A bold statement perhaps, but there is a tendency for these large companies to focus heavily on the technical aspect and neglect the audience. They forget about the story, about the acting. The Santiago Ballet stays true to its purpose, proving itself to be the master story teller that draws you in and surprises you.

The setting at the Teatro Municipal de Santiago is both intimate and grandiose, with red velvet lining, walls adorned with gold leaf, and a majestic Italian fresco on the ceiling from which suspends a crystal chandelier. The baroque theater is a Santiago delight which should be visited by all, particularly those who have never had the pleasure of a night out at this wonderful venue. El Teatro Municipal in conjunction with the Santiago Ballet´s staging of Romeo and Juliet encapsulates the essential ingredients of the theatrical experience: all the glamour, passion, and entertainment! Regardless of your taste for Shakespeare, take the time to discover this gem in the heart of Santiago that is El Teatro Municipal. Treat yourself to a classy affair with the Santiago Ballet, and prepare yourself for love at first sight.